Fire Razes 10 Shops at Katsina Central Market as Traders Blame Solar Inverter

Panic swept through the popular Katsina Central Market, also known as Fatima Baika Market, after a fire outbreak destroyed 10 shops in the early hours of Tuesday.

The inferno, which affected several business owners and traders, reportedly started before dawn and quickly spread across parts of the busy market.

Some traders blamed the incident on a solar-powered electricity inverter, claiming the device sparked the fire before it escalated beyond control.

The spokesperson of the Katsina State Fire Service, Rabe Audi, confirmed the incident in an official statement.

According to him, firefighters received a distress call shortly after the outbreak and immediately mobilised personnel to the scene to contain the situation.

Audi said the rapid response prevented the flames from spreading to larger sections of the market, helping to save seven nearby shops and valuable goods from destruction.

Despite the intervention, at least 10 shops were completely razed before firefighters succeeded in bringing the blaze under control.

The affected shops reportedly contained food items, beverages, curtains, textiles and other commercial goods commonly sold within the market.

A Peugeot 406 vehicle parked close to the affected area was also successfully rescued during the emergency operation.

Although traders suspect an electrical fault linked to a solar inverter system, the fire service said investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident.

Audi advised residents and business owners using solar inverter systems to ensure proper installation, maintenance and safety checks to avoid future fire outbreaks.

Authorities are expected to carry out a detailed assessment to determine the total value of goods and property lost in the incident.

The latest fire incident has again raised concerns over safety standards in major Nigerian markets, where overcrowding, poor wiring systems and inadequate fire prevention measures continue to pose serious risks to traders and businesses.